As Israel faces mounting international pressure over its assaults on a UN peacekeeping unit in Lebanon, Pope Francis has joined the chorus of concerns, using his noontime Sunday Angelus address to issue a direct appeal that “the forces of peace of the United Nations be respected”.
“I continue to follow with concern what’s happening in the Middle East, and I ask once again for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts,” the Pope said. “Let’s follow the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to obtain peace.”
The Pope added: “I’m close to all the populations involved, in Palestine, in Israel and in Lebanon, where I ask that the forces of peace of the United Nations be respected.
